Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am – who worked with Cheryl on her debut album ‘Three Words’ – believes the singer will become a big star if she heads to America to become a judge on the US version of ‘The X Factor’.

He said: “I’ve heard she’s going to be a judge on ‘The X Factor’ in the States. Wow, she’ll do great. The public will love her.

“I hung out with Cheryl recently. I was in the judges’ house. She’s cool. She’s a great artist and we’re good friends.

“I think the US are going to latch on to her in a big way. She’s awesome,” he said.

As well as working as a producer on Cheryl’s debut album, Will.i.am also guest starred on the album’s title track ‘Three Words’.

He will also feature on her second musical endeavour ‘Messy Little Raindrops’, and has told friends her new work is her best yet.

A source recently said: “He can’t contain his excitement over the new stuff. He reckons the tracks will be even more successful than her first batch of solo tunes.”